Judy Bales

Judy Letitia Bales, 83, of Waco, peacefully passed away in the early hours of Monday, April 18, 2011.

Visitation will start at 5 p.m. Friday, April 29, at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd., followed by a short memorial service at 6 p.m.

Judy ended her life as she entered it: smiling at those present. Judy will be greatly missed by her family and her many friends. Judy had great spirit and determination and was a successful entrepreneur.

She excelled at all of her jobs, whether it was as a soda fountain clerk at 12 years old, as a builder of aircrafts during WWII, the accountant and manager of her family medical practice or the owner of a marketing and printing company.

After her 'retirement', she turned her enthusiasm for bridge from a hobby to a much-loved job, becoming the owner of a local bridge club. Her enjoyment of the game was secondary to the companionship she found and the close friendships she formed with those in the club. Judy played her last tournament in early April, winning or placing in several.

Despite these accomplishments, they don't compare to the love and care she showed her family. Widowed twice, Judy was never alone in her heart, and despite distance, was the best friend of both her son, Dan and the daughter of her heart, Marlena, never missing weekly phone calls with them that could last for hours.

Judy is survived by her son, Daniel Joe Bourne, Sr., 'daughter' Marlena Rae Johnson, and grandchildren. Visitation will start at 5 p.m. Friday, April 29, at OakCrest Funeral Home followed by a short memorial service at 6 p.m. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization.